Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

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Golden, puffed, and irresistibly cheesy — this Homemade Egg and Cheese Strata is a breakfast casserole that brings comfort to the table in the most satisfying way. With layers of crusty bread cubes soaked in a rich, savory custard and studded with melty cheese and savory bites of ham, this dish is everything you want in a hearty brunch or make-ahead breakfast. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like love and your guests come back for seconds.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings, this strata delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, enjoying a lazy weekend, or just need a foolproof breakfast idea, this dish covers it all. The texture is soft and pillowy inside with a crisp, golden top — and every bite bursts with creamy eggs, gooey cheese, and savory meat. Let’s dive in and explore why this dish might just become your new go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A big hit at brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Customizable: Use whatever bread, cheese, or protein you have on hand.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, warm — a satisfying start to any day.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Homemade Egg and Cheese Strata turns out just right, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for a strata to cook evenly and serve a family or small group.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll mix the egg custard here before pouring it over the bread.
• Whisk: Crucial for combining eggs, milk, and seasoning into a smooth mixture.
• Serrated Knife: For cutting bread into cubes without crushing them.
• Spatula or Ladle: To gently press the bread down into the custard and ensure even soaking.

Each tool contributes to texture and cooking consistency, ensuring your strata isn’t too dry or soggy. Don’t skip the soaking step — it’s the secret to that custardy interior.

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Preparation Tips

For the best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread — it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy. When mixing your custard, whisk until fully smooth and season well; a pinch of salt, pepper, and even a hint of garlic powder or mustard powder can boost the flavor. Let the assembled strata sit for at least 30 minutes before baking, or overnight if you’re prepping ahead. This rest time allows the bread to soak up all that flavorful custard, giving you a rich, soufflé-like texture after baking.

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Ingredients for This Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

• 1 loaf of day-old French bread or sourdough (about 12 cups cubed)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional but adds richness)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced (or use sausage, bacon, or vegetarian option)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the loaf of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. If the bread is too fresh, lightly toast the cubes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes to dry them out. This helps them soak up the custard without turning soggy.

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Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish

Use butter or non-stick spray to generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later.

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Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer

Spread half of the bread cubes evenly into the greased dish. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of both types of shredded cheese over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese to build a second layer.

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Step 4: Make the Egg Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth. If you’re using chopped onion, stir it in here.

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Step 5: Pour the Custard

Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ham, and cheese. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press the bread down so it starts to absorb the liquid.

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Step 6: Soak and Rest

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. This soaking step is key to achieving a soft, custardy interior.

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Step 7: Bake the Strata

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

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Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the strata cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Notes

This Homemade Egg and Cheese Strata is incredibly versatile. Feel free to switch out the meats (ham, bacon, sausage) or skip them entirely for a vegetarian version. Swap in different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a new flavor profile. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread and cheese from the week. Don’t be afraid to get creative — add sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, or even a touch of hot sauce in the custard for a kick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the soak: Not allowing the bread to soak in the custard results in a dry, uneven texture.
• Using fresh bread: Fresh bread won’t absorb the custard properly and may lead to a soggy bottom.
• Under-seasoning: Eggs and bread both need ample seasoning; don’t forget salt, pepper, and aromatic boosters like garlic or mustard.
• Overbaking: This can cause a rubbery texture. Remove from the oven once the center is set but still moist.
• Uneven layering: Distribute the ham and cheese evenly for consistent bites.

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Storage Instructions

Once baked and cooled, this strata can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes. You can also freeze the fully baked strata for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Cholesterol: 210mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this strata without meat?

Absolutely! Just leave out the ham and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I use non-dairy milk or cream?

Yes, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk works well. Coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream, though it may add a slight coconut flavor.

How far in advance can I prepare this?

You can assemble the strata up to 24 hours in advance and bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes! Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The strata is done when the center is set, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. The top should be puffed and golden.

What’s the best bread to use?

Day-old French bread, sourdough, or Italian loaf are perfect. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread.

Can I make individual portions?

Yes, divide the ingredients among greased ramekins and reduce baking time to about 25–30 minutes.

What side dishes go well with this?

Fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad make great accompaniments.

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Conclusion

Homemade Egg and Cheese Strata is the kind of dish that brings ease and joy to your breakfast or brunch table. With its rich, cheesy flavor, tender texture, and simple make-ahead convenience, it’s destined to be a repeat favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning meals for the week, this strata fits seamlessly into your kitchen routine — warm, filling, and endlessly customizable.

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